The 2016 NAJYRC CH-J* Dressage Concludes with Canada in Gold Medal Position
Canada has continued their eventing domination of the 2016 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) in Parker, Colo. At the conclusion of the CH-J* dressage, the team from Ontario is in the lead on a score of 137.0.
Team Ontario has two riders in the top four of the individual standings, Emma Johnston on FE Coconut Kiss, a 9-year-old Holsteiner mare, scored a 42.3 to sit in second and Annick Niemuller and FE Akari, a 9-year-old German Sport horse gelding, earned a 43.5 for fourth place. Alisa Morrison on Princess Sophia, a Holsteiner/Trakehner mare, (53.5) and Alexis Murray with My Principle, a 10-year-old Clydesdale cross, (51.2) round out the quartet of girls.
“I was absolutely thrilled with Coco today,” said Johnston. “This is her first time at Young Riders or in a ring with this kind of atmosphere and she was absolutely incredible. She gave me a 150 percent and I just could not be more proud of her today.”
“Akari was exceptionally good today,” said Niemuller. “It was only our second FEI event together – we are still a new partnership, but I was really, really happy with him today.”
When talking about her team experience Johnston said, “Eventing is a very friendly sport so we are usually great to each other, but it is really just a whole different feel to have so many people rooting for you and supporting you every step of the way. It is sort of parallel to what you would experience on teams down the road, so it is a great introduction.”
“Being on a team can be very stressful,” said Niemuller. “Especially with your best friend!” Both Johnston and Niemuller are best friends and spent the winter training in Ocala, Fla. with Canadian High Performance Team Coach, Clayton Fredericks and they credited that extra training with helping them qualify and compete at NAJYRC. “It is a great experience, but you aren’t only worried for your ride and hoping for the best, but you are hoping for the best for three different people around you.”
Looking ahead to the cross-country course the team seems very excited to head out of the start box. “The course looks amazing and is very well designed,” said Morrison. The rest of the team agreed and Niemuller expressed how lucky they all are to have good cross-country horses who are ready to attack the course.
Just a little over two points off the top of the leaderboard, is the team from Area VI made up of Delaney Vaden and Redrox Jazzman, Kelsey Holmes and NZB The Chosen One, Mia Farley and Fernhill Fine Diamon and Megan Traynham and Lord Lombardi. Three of the team broke the 50 barrier and are sitting in the top 15, with Traynham and Lord Lombardi, an 8-year-old Holsteiner gelding, leading the team in third place on a 43.2.
Area IV is hot on the heels of Ontario and VI and as a self-dubbed “up-and-coming area” are looking to move up the podium throughout the weekend.
Full team results are available here
Makenna Rold and Fernhill Imperial.
16-year-old Makenna Rold from Area IV is leading the individual standings aboard her own 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, Fernhill Imperial. The pair earned a 41.9 to best the rest of the 43 other CH-J* riders.
“I was really happy with Imperial’s test today,” said Rold. “I have worked really hard with Emily Beshear, who is our team coach over the winter to improving the quality and strength of the test.”
Rold isn’t letting the pressure get to her despite sitting on the top of the leaderboard heading into tomorrow’s cross-country and she is looking for a great run. “I think the course looks great,” continued Rold. “The footing feels really great now that they have watered it. The jumps look awesome – they all look like they are practically brand new. I am really excited to go out and push for the time and hopefully be competitive.”
“I came to Young Riders last year for Area IV, and I think it is a really great thing for all of us to represent Area IV,” explained Rold when speaking about the unique team experience of NAJYRC. “Since we are still getting our name on the map so to be able to come and do well is really fun for all of us.”
Individual results are available here.
The CH-J* riders are the first on James Atkinson’s course tomorrow starting at 8:00 a.m. The CICY2* will follow approximately at 10:30. Stay tuned to the USEA on social media for updates throughout the morning.
Follow the USEA: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Snapchat: @USeventing
Related Articles
Spring Has Sprung at the Stable View Spring International with Bellissimo Leading the CCI4*-S
The first day of the Stable View Spring International started off with a little bit of fog but quickly turned into a beautiful day. The 2/3/4* FEI divisions kicked off the day with the first riders going down the center line at 8:20 a.m.
United States Pony Club Continues Partnership with USEA in 2026, Championing Education and Development
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to announce its continued partnership with the United States Pony Club (USPC) in 2026, renewing its role as the Presenting Sponsor of the USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) Workshops. This ongoing collaboration highlights both organization...
A Novel Water Additive Increases Voluntary Water Intake in Healthy Horses
The simplest changes can mean the difference between drought or drink. Keeping horses hydrated in times of stress – namely travel, hospitalization, or showing – can be challenging. This is furthered by the fact that when horses experience water losses through marked sweating or diarrhea, they may...
